In The News

An installation spelling the word 'Apprenticeships', with each letter depicting different apprenticeship subject areas offered at York College, is on display during National Apprenticeship Week (4th – 8th March).

Themed ‘Blaze a Trail', the Week highlights the benefits of apprenticeships to employers, individuals, local communities and the economy. York College is hosting activities to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to consider studying an apprenticeship. Skills Minister Anne Milton says: “Blazing a trail is what being an apprentice is all about. I want everyone to recognise the change that apprenticeships can bring - for employers blazing a trail to new markets, apprentices to new career opportunities and for colleges and training providers raising the skills levels for everyone.”

On Tuesday 5th March the College is hosting its first ever Employment Marketplace. The free event runs between 3.00pm -7.30pm and is open to local employers, students looking to take their next steps, and those looking for employment opportunities with local businesses in and around the city. For students studying a range of courses and subjects, it is a valuable opportunity to find out about a future career path. For local employers, the event will help to showcase career and job opportunities available now and in the future. It is also the perfect chance for employers to engage with potential applicants, to talk about apprenticeships, vacancies, training schemes or placements and to network with local businesses and make professional connections.

There is a real focus on Careers during National Apprenticeship Week and students can access career drop-in sessions in specific subject areas throughout the week. Applying for jobs can be challenging and the Marketplace aims to breakdown barriers between employers and potential candidates, with workshops led by careers experts and business leaders on a range of topics including Interview Skills, CV Writing and Application Hints and Tips.

Kerry Jephson, Head of Business Development at York College says: “Since the introduction of the employer Apprenticeship Levy, interest in apprenticeships has really gathered momentum. York College has seen a steady increase in enrolments and young people especially are realising the advantages of being able to earn whilst learning. The College delivers a range of Apprenticeships covering occupational areas such as Construction, which has had the largest growth this year. We are particularly pleased the College is hosting the WorldSkills Team UK Selection for Brickwork and Stonemasonry during this year's National Apprenticeship Week. There are plenty of vacancies for apprenticeship opportunities all year round across a range of subject areas including Business Administration, Hospitality, Plumbing, Hairdressing, IT, Accountancy.

“Apprenticeships are an ideal way to kick-start a career; they provide valuable on-the-job skills which are unique to apprenticeship courses. At York College we work effectively with employers who realise the value of taking on an apprentice and the noticeable impact they have on their organisation. Employers tell us apprentices help them to future-proof their staffing and business succession, they also think apprentices value this type of learning, geting them into the working frame of mind. Also, apprenticeships are not just for school leavers, more and more mature students are opting to study an apprenticeship to retrain or diversify their skill-set in order to benefit their business and meet the organisation’s recruitment training plans.”